Coal mine bid may go before public inquiry

Controversial plans for a huge open-cast coal mine on the western edge of Telford look likely to be decided at a public inquiry, it was revealed today. UK Coal is taking the matter to appeal.

It claims Telford & Wrekin Council has taken too long to make up its mind.

But council bosses blame UK Coal for failing to provide enough information.

The application is to extract 900,000 tonnes of coal - largely destined for Ironbridge Power Station - at Huntington Lane, near Little Wenlock.

UK Coal says this would make safe an area riddled with old mine workings, create 90 jobs and help meet national demand for coal.

Objectors claim their lives would be wrecked, their health harmed by the noise and dust, wildlife wiped out and property values hit

UK Coal today said it had lodged the application with the council a year ago and had now appealed on grounds of non-determination.

It said in a statement: "The action we have taken will in no way impair or impede the rights of the public to express their views on this application."

Telford & Wrekin Council's head of planning Michael Barker said: "UK Coal have not supplied all the information necessary to properly assess the application, nor have they allowed the council time to fully obtain the advice of important consultees."

The application will go before the council's plans board on December 17.

Objectors group Friends of the Ercall claimed that UK Coal's decision to appeal showed "contempt" for the planning process.